"Unique Steppers" at the United Youth of New Jersey Drill Team Competition, February 2, 2000. Photo: Will J. Mallett / Mallett Photography

African-American Heritage
Parade, Elizabeth

United Youth of New Jersey (UYNJ) and African
Community Together (ACT) are sister organizations which work
together to make life better for the community of Elizabeth,
New Jersey, particularly focusing on the needs of its young
people. They take children off the streets and put them into
structured programs, specifically, a drill team and coed
basketball. One of the requirements for participation in these
programs is attendance at free life-skills classes given in
the UYNJ computer learning center at the newly renovated
Mickey Walker Community Center. Other programs are a lecture
series and Adopt a Grandparent, designed to bring youth and
the elderly together on a regular basis for the development of
understanding and respect. UYNJ and ACT hosted the first
African Heritage Day Parade in Elizabeth on February 11,
1999.

The Local Legacies project provides a "snapshot" of American Culture as it was expressed in spring of 2000. Consequently, it is not being updated with new or revised information with the exception of "Related Website" links.